Understanding India As a Growing Power in Global Economy

17 June 2009No Comment

My knowledge of India had been limited to what I learned about that country from high school and college textbooks. So when I stumbled across Gunjan Bagla’s book on India and began reading, I learned a great deal about India and its role in today’s global economy.

I had no idea there were so many religions practiced in India and had little appreciation for the number of giant American companies, such as General Electric, that are operating very successful ventures in India. I also learned that the litigation is backlogged for years in India, that buildings and streets are not handicapped accessible, that some two dozen languages are spoken there, that politics are far more divisive there than in the U.S., that astrology plays a big role in the life of Indians, that Thomas The Doubter ministered and died in India, and that India has one of the lowest cell phone calling rates in the world. I also learned why India has the fastest growing economy in the world.

In writing Doing Business in 21st Century India: How to Profit in Tomorrow’s Most Exciting Market Gunjan Bagla not only gives a frank assessment of India’s shortcomings, contradictions, challenges but also offers solutions or work-arounds so that the challenges can be met. His advice and suggestions offer grounds for optimism that India will continue to expand its global influence as it continues to grow its economy.

The writer’s credentials adds authenticity to his observations and advice. Bagla is president and founder of a consulting firm that works with corporation and businesses interested in doing business in India. He has written articles on outsourcing and globalization for major publications such as Business World and is viewed as an expert on India by the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Businessweek.

I can see why after reading this very interesting book. Bagla opened my eyes to the India I Never Knew and after finishing his book I almost went to priceline.com to book airline tickets to India.